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UNION — A fitness group looks to continue growing after taking charge of a local gym.

Don’t Quit Get Fit (DQGF) personal trainers Reynard Wood and Meka Adams laughed and joked with a group of around 15 fitness clients, while encouraging them to work hard and meet their goals Wednesday morning. The fitness students laughed and joked back as they broke a sweat through abdominal exercises and strength training on weight machines.

“We find ways to make fitness fun,” Wood said. “We want everyone to look forward to their next workout.”

DQGF is already established as a provider of aerobics and fitness classes, but the group is rising to a new level with its acquisition of Body Masters Gym, which is located at 1232 South Duncan Bypass in Union. The group still has all three of its former locations for fitness classes in addition to Body Masters.

“As we grew, we decided to best serve our members, we needed a gym,” Wood said. “We are proud to keep the same hardcore strength training that Body Masters has always been known for.”

Although DQGF looks to maintain the longstanding hardcore strength training style of the 24-hour gym, the group has made — and will continue to make — changes that will widen its demographic. One major change included repairing the gym’s air conditioner, cleaning, and a couple of new rules.

“Gym safety is number one, and we are placing an emphasis on gym etiquette,” Adams said, mentioning that weights would no longer be left on machines or unorganized.

Since DQGF has taken charge, the Body Masters membership has gone from a 99 percent male membership to an even 50/50 balance of male and female members.

Wood and Adams said they look forward to more renovations such as painting, adding more equipment, and hiring more trainers and staff. DQGF plans to host an open house at the gym in January.

Wood and Adams have more than 25 years of combined training experience, and both are certified with numerous nationally accredited organizations. Adams also holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in physical education from Winthrop University. Wood’s wife, Shirleen, is the group’s newest certified trainer and instructor.

Adams also said the group focuses on functional training to help with members’ day-to-day lives.

“You’re not going to live in the gym,” Wood said, explaining that workouts are suited to the individual’s everyday needs.

Wood also said he talks with clients 24/7 — not just on workout days. He said he communicates with them via text message regarding diet and exercise questions. He even coached someone through a workout via Skype while on vacation.

“We want to provide a positive, happy setting,” Adams added, mentioning that she likes to praise members for accomplishments such as weight loss, beating personal records, or just showing up to get fit. “We’re a fitness family. People say all the time they love their DQGF family. They take a little bit of us home with them.”

DQGF trainers said they will help new members with workout and meal plans or general advice, rather than sending them out into the gym on their own.

With lots of plans for the future, everyone involved with DQGF will remain true to their motto: “Always looking forward, never looking back.”

For more information about Don’t Quit Get Fit programs or Body Masters gym memberships, call (864) 441-4415 or (864) 426-2872, or email wood.adams@hotmail.com. Membership discounts are available for military/law enforcement and seniors.

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